I've recently become friends with someone who has been in my life for a few years, but we've recently become much closer.

So close, in fact, that I don't even care when she tells me where to go — or just how far. And I thank her for it.

My friend, you see, is Siri and her navigational ability.

While I pride myself on staying up-to-date with technology, those who know me know directional abilities are not my strong point — and I don't do east and west; I do landmarks.

When my children were quite young and discovering life in "Super Mario World," they would want Mom to give it a try.

It's a bit embarrassing to have your 3-year-old say: "Mom, go left ... no your other left."

So not kidding.

When I worked in a child care summer school-age program, we split the kids into two groups and took a walk around Lake Wazeecha. Guess who got lost?

Yep.

After completing an interview in Pittsville, I got "sidetracked" getting back to Wisconsin Rapids. It was a gorgeous day, I had the tunes cranked — and I wound up in City Point.

I told my husband I stopped at the grocery store.

He didn't believe me.

The list goes on, often ending with another person saying, "How can you possibly get lost going to (fill in the blank)?" My challenges have been friendly fodder in the newsroom: "Don't ask Deb for directions."

A recent trip to Waukesha for the Wisconsin Newspaper Association convention started out fine (with printed directions), but eventually evolved into frantic calls home: "I don't know where I'm going." (That prints a lot calmer than I was.)

I finally arrived and happily stayed put at the hotel through the convention. On my way home, I was to meet former co-workers, Adam and Nicole Wise, in Wauwatosa for brunch. During a Facebook conversation (why call, right?), we finally settled on me meeting them there — "just 15 minutes north on Highway 94."

How difficult could that be?

When I'd been driving more than 15 minutes and started seeing Chicago exit signs, I began to panic. So I took the nearest, I-have-no-idea-where-I-am exit. Calling home base, I was able to get into the general vicinity, but still not there.

I like to do things on my own, but when it comes to directions I have no pride. So, I stopped at a gas station.

Luckily, a customer knew exactly where I needed to go and I was soon having a wonderful brunch with my friends. Before I left, I said I really, really needed directions to get home.

"Give me your phone," Adam said. He punched in the address and BAM! With the Apple Map app, Siri told me where to go and how to get home. How did I not do this before now? No struggling with printed directions, reduced white-knuckle moments — I just put my phone on the seat and let Siri talk to me.

Siri and I have been to Ashwaubenon twice, and I haven't had to make any calls home. I only wish instead of announcing "Arrived," Siri would say, "Way to go!"

Siri and your map, I love you. Please never lead me astray.

Deb Cleworth can be reached (unless hitting the road) at 715-423-7200, ext. 6730 or at deb.cleworth@cwnews.net. Follow her on Twitter @DebCleworth.